Phone Number Found on Dark Web: What You Need to Know

If you have discovered that your phone number has been found on the dark web, it can be a cause for concern. The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is often used for illegal activities. This means that if your phone number is on the dark web, it could be used for malicious purposes such as spam calls, phishing scams, or even identity theft.

How Did My Phone Number End Up on the Dark Web?

Beyond that, we recommend looking into identity protection services if your PII is available on the Dark Web. Those services can monitor for identity threats and automatically alert you if there is an issue. They will also work to resolve any ID theft issues that may come up and can even reimburse you for funds lost depending on the coverage you choose.

There are a few ways that your phone number could have ended up on the dark web. One possibility is that your number was included in a data breach. Data breaches occur when hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database and steal sensitive information, such as phone numbers, addresses, and credit card information. If this information is then sold on the dark web, your phone number could be included.

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You can already clear your search history via the “Web & App Activity” tab within your account settings, but now, Google is adding the ability to delete recent searches directly within Maps with a single tap. There’s currently no word on what regions will receive the new feature. A dark web site this month released a data set of 200 million Twitter profiles. I know my data hadn’t been revealed in earlier releases because I’d checked then. They troll through the non-surface level of the Internet to determine if your information has been compromised. That said it’s not only illegal activity the dark web is used for, Facebook and NyTimes have sites on the dark web as well as a number of other legitimate publications and companies.

Another possibility is that your phone number was obtained through social engineering. This is when someone uses deception to obtain sensitive information from you. For example, they may call you pretending to be from a legitimate company and ask for your phone number for verification purposes. Once they have your number, they can sell it on the dark web.

What Should I Do If My Phone Number is on the Dark Web?

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If you have discovered that your phone number is on the dark web, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:

You should take any unexpected change seriously, even if it doesn’t trigger an automated fraud alert. Strengthening the security of your online accounts is essential to protect your phone number. Use app-based authenticators or security keys whenever possible to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access. When breaches happen, the information stolen almost always makes its way to the Dark Web. Here, hackers and cybercriminals buy, sell, and trade various forms of identification, along with bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and phone numbers.

Identity Protection Tips

Scammers can use your personal data to mine recent data breaches or data broker lists for more information. They could scrape your address, driver’s license, or even your SSN. Mary, I’m sorry to hear that your identity was being sold on the dark web. I’m glad you contacted the credit reporting agencies to alert them and place alerts on your credit report. That’s one of several smart moves to protect your credit from fraud.

• Change your phone number: If your number is being used for malicious purposes, changing your number can help prevent further damage.
• Set up two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
• Monitor your credit reports: If your phone number is being used for identity theft, it’s important to monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls: If you receive a call from an unknown number, be cautious and do not give out any personal information.

FAQs

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What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is often used for illegal activities.

How can I tell if my phone number is on the dark web?

If you see a familiar site on either of these lists, you should take action. Carrier overnight shipping limitations apply that may impact the delivery date. In almost all cases, it is impossible to remove your information from the dark web. Report your stolen or lost driver’s license to your state’s Department (or Bureau) of Motor Vehicles. PII is becoming incredibly cheap, meaning scam attacks are becoming more attainable for malicious actors all over the world. Chances are, at least some of you or your employees’ data is on the dark web.

• If a breach is detected, BreachGuard will notify you right away and help you take the steps you need to secure your data immediately.
• When choosing a VPN service, ensure that thousands of users trust it and that there are numerous reviews available.
• Timely action is crucial in minimizing the potential damage caused by having your phone number compromised on the Dark Web.
• They’re constantly on the lookout for evidence of the sale of databases, credit cards, illegal services, or cyberattack planning.

There are a few ways to check if your phone number is on the dark web, such as using a dark web search engine or a dark web monitoring service.

Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?

Once your phone number is on the dark web, it can be difficult to remove it. However, taking steps to protect yourself, such as changing your number and monitoring your credit reports, can help minimize the risk of harm.

Is it illegal to have my phone number on the dark web?

No, it is not illegal to have your phone number on the dark web. However, if your number is being used for illegal activities, such as spam calls or identity theft, it can be reported to the authorities.